Leona Holmberg, David Madtes win new Johany clinical-research award

Dec. 6, 2001

Drs. Leona Holmberg and David Madtes of the Clinical Research Division are the Hutch's first recipients of a divisional award to honor excellence in clinical care.

Each will receive a gift of $10,000 from a $150,000 fund donated by former Center patient Dr. Ali Johany of Saudi Arabia for use by Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Clinical Research Division director, at Appelbaum's discreation.

Dr. Jim Wade, former medical director in Clinical Research Division who departed last month, was instrumental in the award's creation.

The annual prize honors a Hutch physician who has provided exemplary clinical medical care and compassion on behalf of the Center's hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation patients and their families.

Appelbaum, who chaired the award committee, said overwhelming support for Holmberg and Madtes necessitated selection of two winners this year.

"The creation of this award is another demonstration of the Center's commitment to delivery of the highest quality of medical care," he said. "Leona and David are two outstanding examples of that commitment, and it was impossible to choose between them."

Committee members came from from nursing, quality and patient-family services, as well as clinical-research faculty.

"Leona's nominators described her as a tireless worker totally committed to excellence in patient care," Stewart said. "She gets tremendous acclaim from patients, nurses, administrators and other health-care providers."

He described Madtes as one "who provides responsive, high-quality consultative service, examines all possibilities and is a consensus-builder on difficult decisions."

The two were honored to be chosen as the first award recipients. "Excellent and compassionate patient care has always been a hallmark of the Clinical Research Division," Madtes said. "I have always felt privileged to participate in the care of our patients and to work with such a distinguished faculty and staff. I am truly grateful to be selected by my colleagues as one of the first recipients of this award and to share this honor with Dr. Holmberg."

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